FosterEd Financial Assistance Program

Legislation: Senate Bill 22-008: Higher Education Support for Foster Youth

Purpose: Provides financial assistance for Colorado resident students who have been in foster care in Colorado at any time on or after reaching age 13

Award Details:

• Covers remaining balance of student's total cost of attendance over the amount of any private, state, or federal financial assistance received by the student
• Cost is split:
  • 50% covered by institution
  • 50% covered by state

Eligibility:

• Residency: Colorado residents
• Foster Care Status: Must have been in foster care in Colorado at any time on or after reaching age 13
• Must be enrolled at public higher education institution

Geographic Scope: Colorado residents only

Proof Requirements:

• Court affidavit OR
• Confirmation of Foster Care Experience form from child welfare database
• If student does not have either form, contact the County where foster care was experienced (caseworker, Chafee worker, or County Department of Human Services)

Additional Resources: State's FosterEd website

Application Process for 2025-26 Academic Year

1. Obtain Confirmation of Foster Care Experience form
2. Complete either FAFSA or CASFA for 2025-26
3. Complete the ETV (Education and Training Voucher) application, if eligible
4. Complete and submit a FERPA Consent Form (State form) to CMC
5. Contact the FosterEd Liaison or Financial Aid Office at CMC to self-identify as eligible before the identified semester deadline
   • Important: No one else may self-identify on behalf of the student
   • The liaison will require:
   • Proof of foster care experience
   • Proof that student successfully submitted ETV application (if eligible)
   • Completed FERPA Consent Form

Application Process for 2026-27 Academic Year (NEW)

1. Obtain Confirmation of Foster Care Experience form
2. Complete either FAFSA or CASFA for 2026-27
3. Complete the ETV (Education and Training Voucher) application, if eligible
4. Complete the 2026-2027 FosterEd application
   • Important: Students are required to complete an application every academic year

Proof of Foster Care Eligibility

Students must provide one of the following:

• Court affidavit, OR
• Confirmation of Foster Care Experience form from child welfare database

If student does not have either form, contact the County where foster care occurred:

• Contact caseworker
• Contact Chafee worker
• Contact County Department of Human Services (DHS) to request documentation

For Colorado county DHS contact information, see the linked resource.

Additional Support

Contact a Financial Aid Specialist at CMC for your specific situation.